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Step Up Revolution Review

By:
Jenni Miller
Jul 27, 2012

The latest movie in the Step Up franchise aims for a politicized message behind all the flashy moves but it could do with a lot less plot and a lot more dancing. In Step Up Revolution the Miami dance group "The Mob" takes to the streets (and other random locations) to perform intricately choreographed routines with their own DJ a camera guy who uploads their videos to YouTube and a graffiti artist who leaves their signature behind. It takes at least that much effort just to get hipster New Yorkers to ride the subways without any pants on once a year; it's hard to believe that The Mob could pull off their elaborate schemes without getting caught but that's the magic of movies.
The Mob represents the more diverse working class side of Miami a young multiracial group of friends who create incredible works of art that disappear before they get shut down. One of the Mob's leaders Sean (Ryan Guzman) earnestly explains to newcomer Emily (Kathryn McCormick) that the group's reason is to give a voice to the voiceless or to be happy or to dance or something. It's not really clear but they have a lot of fun and look amazing doing it.
Once Sean and his friends find out that a greedy developer plans to raze their neighborhood to make way for another South Beach-style hotel monstrosity they have a reason to rally but until then they're just trying to win a cash prize by getting clicks on YouTube. The typical Step Up twist is that Emily is the developer's daughter. Mr. Anderson (Peter Gallagher) doesn't approve of Emily's love of dancing or other frippery and he certainly wouldn't approve of her hanging out with the people causing such mayhem in the streets of Miami.
Step Up Revolution biggest misstep is trying to give the movie more of a hook than the franchise's typical Romeo and Juliet-style love story and tap into "the Zeitgeist" (I swear that's from the studio-provided press notes) of flash mobs. The film could have cut out most of the plot and characters and still have a completely intact film insofar as the point of the film is its multimedia dance routines. The sort of productions The Mob pulls off are more akin to carefully planned art installations or music videos in terms of scope; it would have been better to at least make that somehow feasible in terms of the storyline. Yes we are here for a spectacle and we surely get a spectacle but it needs to have some roots in reality.
The dance scenes are fun sexy and occasionally a little sappy but overall quite enjoyable for people who enjoy "So You Think You Can Dance" type of shows. Kathryn McCormick and Stephen "tWitch" Boss both appeared on "SYTYCD" and their costar Misha Gabriel is a classically trained ballet dancer turned pro back-up dancer for folks like Beyoncé and Michael Jackson. Guzman doesn't have a dance background but he is an MMA fighter who obviously took his training very seriously. The entire outfit is pretty damn entertaining to be honest.
As far as the 3D goes it makes most of Miami look overcast and grey. The extra zings added in to make sure we get our money's worth like sand flicking out at us or a breakdancer whose foot seems to be aiming for our face only serves to distract from the real show at hand. There is also an awful lot of ramping and generally spazzy editing tricks that look cheap. The screenplay by Amanda Brody is definitely not its strong suit.
Step Up Revolution is the cinematic equivalent of a trashy beach novel. It's embarrassing to be caught actually enjoying it and you'll forget about it almost immediately but it's a decent way to spend a summer afternoon.

While recent animated blockbusters have aimed to viewers of all ages starting with fantastical concepts and breathtaking visuals but tackling complex emotional issues along the way Ice Age: Continental Drift is crafted especially for the wee ones — and it works. Venturing back to prehistoric times once again the fourth Ice Age film paints broad strokes on the theme of familial relationships throwing in plenty of physical comedy along the way. The movie isn't that far off from one of the many Land Before Time direct-to-video sequels: not particularly innovative or necessary but harmless thrilling fun for anyone with a sense of humor. Unless they have a particular distaste for wooly mammoths the kids will love it.
Ice Age: Continental Drift continues to snowball its cartoon roster bringing back the original film's trio (Ray Romano as Manny the Mammoth Denis Leary as Diego the Sabertooth Tiger and John Leguizamo as Sid the Sloth) new faces acquired over the course of the franchise (Queen Latifah as Manny's wife Ellie) and a handful of new characters to spice things up everyone from Nicki Minaj as Manny's daughter Steffie to Wanda Sykes as Sid's wily grandma. The whole gang is living a pleasant existence as a herd with Manny's biggest problem being playing overbearing dad to the rebellious daughter. Teen mammoths they always want to go out and play by the waterfall! Whippersnappers.
The main thrust of the film comes when Scratch the Rat (whose silent comedy routines in the vein of Tex Avery/WB cartoons continue to be the series highlight) accidentally cracks the singular continent Pangea into the world we know today. Manny Diego and Sid find themselves stranded on an iceberg once again forced on a road trip journey of survival. The rest of the herd embarks to meet them giving Steffie time to realize the true meaning of friendship with help from her mole pal Louis (Josh Gad).
The ham-handed lessons may drag for those who've passed Kindergarten but Ice Age: Continental Drift is a lot of fun when the main gang crosses paths with a group of villainous pirates. (Back then monkeys rabbits and seals were hitting the high seas together pillaging via boat-shaped icebergs. Obviously.) Quickly Ice Age becomes an old school pirate adventure complete with maritime navigation buried treasure and sword fights. Gut (Peter Dinklage) an evil ape with a deadly... fingernail leads the evil-doers who pose an entertaining threat for the familiar bunch. Jennifer Lopez pops by as Gut's second-in-command Shira the White Tiger and the film's two cats have a chase scene that should rouse even the most apathetic adults. Hearing Dinklage (of Game of Thrones fame) belt out a pirate shanty may be worth the price of admission alone.
With solid action (that doesn't need the 3D addition) cartoony animation and gags out the wazoo Ice Age: Continental Drift is entertainment to enjoy with the whole family. Revelatory? Not quite. Until we get a feature length silent film of Scratch's acorn pursuit we may never see a "classic" Ice Age film but Continental Drift keeps it together long enough to tell a simple story with delightful flare that should hold attention spans of any length. Massive amounts of sugar not even required.
[Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox]

First thing's first: Magic Mike delivers on the eye candy. Club Xquisite the wildest male strip club in Tampa sports an ensemble of muscled men ready to flash their ridiculous moves in even more ridiculous dance numbers (this crew has never seen a pair of assless pants they didn't like). Bringing a few dollar bills to the movie is recommended — Magic Mike is shot up close and personal enough that flailing them about will come naturally.
But between the codpieces air humping and penis pumps Magic Mike tells a surprisingly relatable funny and poignant parable centered on a character all too familiar to anyone with an ounce of ambition. Mike (Channing Tatum) leads a triple life: By day he's a roof tiler; by night an exotic dancer; and in his dreams he's a furniture craftsman and entrepreneur. When Mike first crosses paths with Adam (Alex Pettyfer) his worries about the future are dispelled slipping right into mentor mode to show the 19-year-old the wonders of sex drugs and rock and roll. Adam's broke and without direction — the perfect state of being for a stripper-in-the-making. Mike's sales pitch is irresistible and when Adam unwillingly takes the stage for the first time he feels the rush of a dozen woman screaming groping and stuffing singles down his jock strap. There's no question: A stripper's life is a journey worth embarking on.
In his typical fashion director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic Erin Brockovich) defies conventions sticking with Mike's ups and downs rather than transforming Magic Mike into a Goodfellas-esque "newbie in over his head" story. Between playing protector to the mesmerized Adam and attempting to strike up an actual relationship with Adam's sister Brooke (Cody Horn) Mike finds himself for the first time looking inward. Does a job define a man? He's convinced it doesn't but as Adam loses himself to the profession becoming the Xquisite's cutthroat owner Dallas' (the wonderfully slimy Matthew McConaughey) right-hand man and parlaying the gig into more dangerous ventures Mike realizes breakdancing in thongs may be more poisonous to his dreams than he ever realized.
Exploitation Magic Mike is not. The film's dance sequences are sexy and sleek but only to clue the audience into the job's allure. Backstage is equally important; Soderbergh does an amazing job constructing the boy's club atmosphere that keeps Mike and Adam coming back. Lively characters like Ken (Matt Bomer) and Big Dick Richie (Joe Manganiello) say little but speak volumes in the background of every scene. They're palling around and when they finally do reach out to Adam to profess their friendship it makes perfect sense. For a guy without a family the dancers are a perfect replacement.
While the cast is stellar Tatum continues his streak of star-making performances in the role of Mike. Obviously the man can dance — and he blows any memories of Step Up into oblivion. Beyond that he's perfectly in tune with Soderbergh's naturalistic style cool on his feet with the comedy and devastatingly subtle in the drama. His rapport with Horn who is equally striking in her casual approach is sweet and real a constant reminder that even a guy who lap dances in a fireman costume for a living has feelings too. Soderbergh enhances each of his performers with spot on photography: His Tampa is gritty and yellow-tinged the interior of the club a safe haven from the blase nature of reality. Magic Mike carries a full package.
Magic Mike hits all the right notes of comedy and drama that's completely unexpected in the summer blockbuster surroundings. Come for the stripping stay for the high-caliber filmmaking. Magic Mike is one of the year's best.
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In a post-Harry Potter Avatar and Lord of the Rings world the descriptors "sci-fi" and "fantasy" conjure up particular imagery and ideas. The Hunger Games abolishes those expectations rooting its alternate universe in a familiar reality filled with human characters tangible environments and terrifying consequences. Computer graphics are a rarity in writer/director Gary Ross' slow-burn thriller wisely setting aside effects and big action to focus on star Jennifer Lawrence's character's emotional struggle as she embarks on the unthinkable: a 24-person death match on display for the entire nation's viewing pleasure. The final product is a gut-wrenching mature young adult fiction adaptation diffused by occasional meandering but with enough unexpected choices to keep audiences on their toes.
Panem a reconfigured post-apocalyptic America is sectioned off into 12 unique districts and ruled under an iron thumb by the oppressive leaders of The Capitol. To keep the districts producing their specific resources and prevent them from rebelling The Capitol created The Hunger Games an annual competition pitting two 18-or-under "tributes" from each district in a battle to the death. During the ritual tribute "Reaping " teenage Katniss (Lawrence) watches as her 12-year-old sister Primrose is chosen for battle—and quickly jumps to her aid becoming the first District 12 citizen to volunteer for the games. Joined by Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) a meek baker's son and the second tribute Effie the resident designer and Haymitch a former Hunger Games winner-turned-alcoholic-turned-mentor Katniss rides off to The Capitol to train and compete in the 74th Annual Hunger Games.
The greatest triumph of The Hunger Games is Ross' rich realization of the book's many worlds: District 12 is painted as a reminiscent Southern mining town haunting and vibrant; The Capitol is a utopian metropolis obsessed with design and flair; and The Hunger Games battleground is a sprawling forest peppered with Truman Show-esque additions that remind you it's all being controlled by overseers. The small-scale production value adds to the character-first approach and even when the story segues to larger arenas like a tickertape parade in The Capitol's grand Avenue of Tributes hall it's all about Katniss.
For fans the script hits every beat a nearly note-for-note interpretation of author Suzanne Collins' original novel—but those unfamiliar shouldn't worry about missing anything. Ross knows his way around a sharp screenplay (he's the writer of Big Pleasantville and Seabiscuit) and he's comfortable dropping us right into the action. His characters are equally as colorful as Panem Harrelson sticking out as the former tribute enlivened by the chance to coach winners. He's funny he's discreet he's shaded—a quality all the cast members share. As a director Ross employs a distinct often-grating perspective. His shaky cam style emphasizes the reality of the story but in fight scenarios—and even simple establishing shots of District 12's goings-on—the details are lost in motion blur.
But the dread of the scenario is enough to make Hunger Games an engrossing blockbuster. The lead-up to the actual competition is an uncomfortable and biting satire of reality television sports and everything that commands an audience in modern society. Katniss' brooding friend Gale tells her before she departs "What if nobody watched?" speculating that carnage might end if people could turn away. Unfortunately they can't—forcing Katniss and Peeta to become "stars" of the Hunger Games. The duo are pushed to gussy themselves up put on a show and play up their romance for better ratings. Lawrence channels her reserved Academy Award-nominated Winter's Bone character to inhabit Katniss' frustration with the system. She's great at hunting but she doesn't want to kill. She's compassionate and considerate but has no interest in bowing down to the system. She's a leader but she knows full well she's playing The Capitol's game. Even with 23 other contestants vying for the top spot—like American Idol with machetes complete with Ryan Seacrest stand-in Caesar Flickerman (the dazzling Stanley Tucci)—Katniss' greatest hurdle is internal. A brave move for a movie aimed at a young audience.
By the time the actual Games roll around (the movie clocks in at two and a half hours) there's a need to amp up the pace that never comes and The Hunger Games loses footing. Katniss' goal is to avoid the action hiding in trees and caves waiting patiently for the other tributes to off themselves—but the tactic isn't all that thrilling for those watching. Luckily Lawrence Hutcherson and the ensemble of young actors still deliver when they cross paths and particular beats pack all the punch an all-out deathwatch should. PG-13 be damned the film doesn't skimp on the bloodshed even when it comes to killing off children. The Hunger Games bites off a lot for the first film of a franchise and does so bravely and boldly. It may not make it to the end alive but it doesn't go down without a fight.
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Comic-Con. The mecca of pop culture.
Movies, TV, Comic and Gaming enthusiasts will gather in the temperate California town for a five-day, pop culture extravaganza, where the top dogs in every field come to showcase their latest and greatest products. Whether it's the Hall H premiere trailer of a new summer blockbuster, the cast meet and greet in Ballroom 20 for the hot new TV show or just a sit down with some insightful creator-types in a dark and dingy backroom, SDCC is always full of surprises and this year looks to be no different.
We'll be there on the ground floor picking up all the news bites as they break, but you can check out the schedule for the first two days below -- and better prepare for the onslaught of updates!
Friday, July 22
10:00-11:00 LEGO Star Wars— A behind-the-brick look with the LEGO Star Wars team at how the epic Star Wars story comes together with the creativity and imagination of the LEGO brand. Additionally, be among the first to hear about a special LEGO Star Wars entertainment event, and meet Emmy award-winning writer Michael Price. Also includes Q&amp;A time. Room 7AB
10:00-11:00 Torchwood: Miracle Day— John Barrowman (Doctor Who) and Eve Myles (Doctor Who) join cast members Mekhi Phifer (ER), Bill Pullman (Independence Day), Alexa Havins (All My Children), and Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under), along with writer Jane Espenson (Battlestar Galactica), to discuss the fourth installment of the hit BBC Worldwide show, a Starz Originals co-production, currently airing Friday nights at 10 ET/PT on Starz. Ballroom 20
10:15-11:15 Star Trek: The Captains— William Shatner is joined by fellow Star Trek captain Avery Brooks to present a preview of the EPIX Pictures original documentary produced and directed by Shatner, in which he travels the world to interview all the actors who've played Starfleet captains. This lively discussion and Q&amp;A session is moderated by Comic-Con fave Kevin Smith. Room 6BCF
10:30-11:30 Locke &amp; Key FOX Pilot Screening— The most talked-about pilot not on the fall schedule was the FOX production of Locke &amp; Key. This screening of the entire pilot will show you just what a void there will be on your TVs this fall. Watch the special filmed adaptation of Welcome to Lovecraft, and see the Eisner-nominated comic brought to life. Can't get in to see it this morning? Don't worry...there's a rescreening tonight at 9:15 in Room 6DE! Room 8
11:00-12:00 Radical Publishing— Radical will announce its imprint deal with Sam Worthington's production company, Full Clip, and introduce the writers and artists working on those projects. Panelists include Sam Worthington (Avatar), John Schwarz and Michael Schwarz (Full Clip Productions), Rick Remender (The Last Days of American Crime), Joshua Dysart (Unknown Soldier), Leonardo Manco (Hellblazer), and Radical Studios president Barry Levine. Radical will also give the inside scoop on Sam Worthington's attachment to Rick Remender's The Last Days of American Crime. Room 24ABC
11:00-12:00 Paramount: The Adventures of Tin-Tin— TBA Hall H
11:15-12:15 AMC's The Walking Dead— Stars Andrew Lincoln (Love Actually), Jon Bernthal (The Pacific), Sarah Wayne Callies (Prison Break), Laurie Holden (The Mist), Norman Reedus (The Boondock Saints), Steven Yeun (The Big Bang Theory), Jeffrey DeMunn (The Green Mile); series creator/writer/director/executive producer Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption); executive producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator); executive producer Robert Kirkman (creator/writer of The Walking Dead comic book series); and makeup artist and consulting producer Greg Nicotero discuss the success of season one of AMC's series The Walking Dead and reveal what to look forward to in season two, which will air on AMC this Fall. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&amp;A session and an official sneak preview of season two. Ballroom 20
11:30-12:30 Halo Universe— Frank O'Connor, Kevin Grace, and others from 343 Industries, as well as special Halo guests Greg Bear and Karen Traviss, discuss the first 10 years of Halo and offer a sneak peek into what's next for this exciting sci-fi universe. Room 6BCF
11:30-12:30 Locke &amp; Key Panel— Make your plans to watch the Locke &amp; Key TV pilot at 10:30, then join Eisner-nominated creators Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, along with Locke &amp; Key TV pilot writer Josh Friedman, for a frank discussion of the show, the comic, and what's coming up in Clockworks, the second-to-last story arc in the acclaimed series (or is it?). Room 8
11:45-12:45 Nickelodeon &amp; DreamWorks Animation: Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness— The bodacity continues as Po the panda punches his way onto a new animated series. Executive producer Peter Hastings and supervising producers Randy Dormans band Gabe Swarr present an exclusive sneak peek into the new series by Nickelodeon and Dreamworks. This panel will also include select moments with voice cast members Mick Wingert (Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special), James Hong (Kung Fu Panda 2), Kevin Michael Richardson (Penguins of Madagascar), and John DiMaggio (Penguins of Madagascar), followed by a screening. Moderated by Megan Casey, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room 6A
12:00-1:00 ABC Family: The Nine Lives of Chloe King— An exclusive sneak peek of an upcoming episode of The Nine Lives of Chloe King, followed by a Q&amp;A session with the cast and producers. The cast in attendance includes Skyler Samuels (The Gates) as Chloe King, Amy Pietz (The Office) as Meredith King, Grey Damon (True Blood, Friday Night Lights) as Brian, newcomer Grace Phipps as Amy, Benjamin Stone (Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter video game series) as Alek, Alyssa Diaz (Shark Night 3D) as Jasmine, and Ki Hong Lee (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) as Paul. The executive producers are Dan Berendsen and, from Alloy Entertainment, Gina Girolamo. The Nine Lives of Chloe King airs Tuesday nights at 9/8c on ABC Family. Room 23ABC
12:15-1:15 Relativity Media: Raven and Haywire— Two fantastic films from Relativity Media debut in this Hall H presentation.Raven -- The film is a gritty thriller in which Edgar Allan Poe joins forces with a young Baltimore detective to hunt down a mad serial killer who's using Poe's own works as the basis for a string of brutal murders. Raven stars John Cusack as Edgar Allan Poe, Luke Evans, and Alice Eve and is directed by James McTeigue.Haywire -- An electrifying tale of espionage and betrayal. A female covert ops specialist who works in the deadly world of international operatives strikes back after discovering she's been double-crossed by someone close to her in the agency. Mixed martial arts superstar Gina Carano makes her feature film -- and Comic-Con -- debut, starring and performing her own high-adrenaline stunts. Also appearing is director Stephen Soderbergh.
Hall H
12:30-1:30 The Big Bang Theory Screening and Q&amp;A— Dr., Dr., Dr., Dr., Dr., Mr., Miss...See everyone's favorite scientists (and engineer and waitress) from The Big Bang Theory as the show's producers and stars return to San Diego with a special screening and Q&amp;A. Executive producers Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men), Bill Prady (Dharma &amp; Greg), and Steve Molaro (iCarly) join stars Johnny Galecki (Roseanne), Jim Parsons (Garden State), Kaley Cuoco (Charmed), Simon Helberg (Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog), Kunal Nayyar (NCIS), Mayim Bialik (Blossom), and Melissa Rauch (True Blood) for a fun and lively discussion. From Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television, The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8/7c on CBS, and The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fourth Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 13. Ballroom 20
12:45-1:45 Legendary Pictures: Preproduction Preview— Legendary Pictures holds its first-ever Comic-Con panel and shares an early look at some of the movies on the company's upcoming film slate. Fans will be able to access Legendary's plans, garner sneak peeks at their movies in preproduction, and hear from filmmakers and cast members from the upcoming Pacific Rim, Seventh Son, Paradise Lost, and Mass Effect. Panel participants include Jeff Bridges, Bradley Cooper, Guillermo del Toro, Ben Barnes, Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Alicia Vikander, Alex Proyas, Sergei Bodrov, Travis Beacham, Mark Protosevich, and Casey Hudson. Room 6BCF
1:30-2:30 Screen Gems: Underworld 4— Underworld 4 brings a stunning new dimension to the epic battle between Vampires and Lycans as the first film in the franchise to shoot in 3D. Kate Beckinsale, star of the first two films, returns in her lead role as the vampire warrior Selene, who escapes imprisonment to find that humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species. Appearing in person are Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, Len Wiseman (producer and director of Underworld and Underworld: Evolution), and directors Mans Marlind and Bjorn Stein. Hall H
1:30-2:30 Adult Swim: Childrens Hospital— See a never-before-screened episode of Childrens Hospital and hear from the show's creative team led by Rob Corddry (Cedar Rapids) and Jon Stern (The Ten). They will be joined by members of their ensemble cast of comedic heavyweights, including Malin Akerman (Couples Retreat), Lake Bell (No Strings Attached), Erinn Hayes (Parenthood), Rob Huebel (I Love You Man), and Megan Mullally (Will and Grace). Childrens Hospital explores the emotional struggles and sexual politics of a group of doctors charged with healthy libidos. The panel will close with a sneak peek at Adult Swim's newest live-action comedy, NTSF:SD:SUV::, featuring creator and star Paul Scheer (The League). NTSF:SD:SUV:: is a clandestine team of government agents working to protect San Diego from numerous terrorist threats coming in daily from such evil countries as Mexico, Canada, and Guam. This team of highly trained operatives has only one job: saving your ass so you can drive your Prius and see your movies in 3D without worrying about living in a country run by no-good terrorists. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1:45-2:45 Bones— Creator/executive producer Hart Hanson, executive producer Stephen Nathan, and stars David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel discuss the shocking finale of Bones Season 6 as well as what's in store for Booth and Brennan in an exciting Season 7! Hanson will also introduce the audience to the stars of The Finder, his new FOX series premiering in January. Plus, Q&amp;A! Ballroom 20
2:00-3:00 Green Lantern: The Animated Series Video Presentation and Q&amp;A— Warner Bros. Animation brings the Green Lantern to television in a new CG-animated action series for Cartoon Network from world-renowned producer, artist, and animator Bruce Timm (Batman: The Animated Series). Based on the DC Comics superhero, Green Lantern: The Animated Series centers on Hal Jordan and his partner Kilowog, who find themselves alone on the edge of the Guardian Frontier fighting off an invasion by the deadly Red Lantern Corps. Timm headlines a panel -- moderated by Warner Bros. Animation's Sam Register (Teen Titans) -- that also features producer Giancarlo Volpe (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and producer/story editor Jim Krieg (Ben 10: Alien Swarm). In addition to the Q&amp;A, fans in attendance will be treated to footage prepared exclusively for Comic-Con. Don't miss out, or you'll be waiting 'til 2012! Room 6BCF
2:15-3:15 Exclusive Screening of ABC's Newest Supernatural Series, The River— From the studio that brought you Lost comes a new adventure set deep in the Amazon. Executive producers Oren Peli (Paranormal Activity), Michael Green (Green Lantern), and Zack Estrin (Tru Calling), along with cast members Joe Anderson (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn), Eloise Mumford (Lone Star), and Leslie Hope (24), present an exclusive screening and a Q&amp;A of their much-anticipated new series, The River. All attendees will get a limited-edition Comic-Con giveaway. Room 6A
2:45-3:45 DreamWorks: Fright Night— Colin Farrell (The Way Back), Anton Yelchin (Star Trek), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad), Imogen Poots (Jane Eyre), Dave Franco (Charlie St. Cloud), director Craig Gillespie (Lars and the Real Girl), and screenwriter Marti Noxon (I Am Number Four) take the dais to give fans a taste of the horrific fun to come in DreamWorks Pictures' 3D reimagining of the classic horror film. Hall H
3:00-4:00 Eureka— Small town. Big panel. Syfy's smash hit Eureka is back at Comic-Con. Colin Ferguson (Jack Carter), Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Allison Blake), Neil Grayston (Douglas Fargo), and guest star Felicia Day (Dr. Holly Martin) join executive producers Jaime Paglia and Bruce Miller for a chat about the big secrets of America's smartest little town. Moderated by guest star Wil Wheaton (Dr. Isaac Parrish; Wesley Crusher, Star Trek: Next Generation). Ballroom 20
3:00-4:00 Bob's Burgers— Bob's Burgers creator/executive producer Loren Bouchard, executive producer Jim Dauterive, and cast members H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, and Kristen Schaal entertain animation fans with hilarious never-before-seen footage from season two, followed by a Q&amp;A. Room 23ABC
3:15-4:15 Falling Skies— TNT's powerful drama series Falling Skies follows a group of survivors who band together after a devastating alien invasion has incapacitated most of the world. Ordinary people are called upon to fight back against the occupying alien force as they struggle for the survival of the human race. Join stars Noah Wyle (ER), Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation), Will Patton (Armageddon), Drew Roy (Secretariat), Collin Cunningham (Living in Your Car), and Sarah Sanguin Carter (Shark) and co-executive producer Mark Verheiden (Battlestar Galactica) in a Q&amp;A, and watch exclusive never- before-seen footage from Falling Skies. Room 6BCF
3:30-4:30 ThunderCats Premiere Episode Screening and Q&amp;A— Comic-Con, ho! From the moment this series was announced, fans have answered the call -- now, the wait is over as Warner Bros. Animation is proud to bring you the world premiere of this new reimagining of the beloved '80s franchise. Lion-O, Tygra, Panthro, Cheetara, Wily Kit, and Snarf are back! After the screening, producers Michael Jelenic (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) and Ethan Spaulding (Avatar: The Last Airbender), art director Dan Norton (G.I. Joe: Resolute, and members of the voice cast will discuss what viewers can expect in the first season of this exciting new series. ThunderCats premieres in a special one-hour episode on Friday, July 29 at 8/7c on Cartoon Network. Room 6A
3:30-4:15 Adult Swim: Robot Chicken— Seth Green (co-creator, Robot Chicken), Matthew Senreich (co-creator, Robot Chicken), and Tom Root (head writer, Robot Chicken) discuss the popular Adult Swim series. The series uses stop-motion animation to bring pop culture parodies to life in a modern take on the variety/sketch show format. In Robot Chicken, no pop culture target is safe. Legions of action figures are used to spoof everything from reality television and Star Wars to past presidents. Moderated by Keith Crofford, vice president of production, Adult Swim. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
4:00-5:00 Developing Interactive Entertainment: The Performance Capture Techniques of the Uncharted Franchise and Today's Film Industry— Naughty Dog has consistently led the industry in adopting advanced performance capture processes and technology to propel their critically acclaimed Uncharted video game franchise to greater heights of quality and presentation. Launching in November, Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception delivers character-driven narrative and dramatic action sequences to create an engaging experience that grounds the player in the game world with relatable and believable characters. Moderated by USA Today's Mike Snider, Uncharted 3's creative director Amy Hennig and cast members Nolan North, Richard McGonagle, and Emily Rose discuss the influence of theatrical techniques and styles from the history of film that have helped the team produce interactive entertainment. Room 25ABC
4:00-5:30 Sony— Sony returns to Hall H with a stellar lineup of films and talent, including:Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance -- After blazing a trail around the globe in the worldwide hit Ghost Rider, Nicolas Cage returns as Johnny Blaze in Columbia Pictures' Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Still struggling with his curse as the devil's bounty hunter, Blaze is hiding out in a remote part of Eastern Europe when he is recruited by a secret sect to save a young boy (Fergus Riordan) from the devil (Ciaran Hinds). At first, Johnny is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider again, but it is the only way to protect the boy -- and possibly rid himself of his curse forever. Live on stage: directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (Crank) and stars Nicolas Cage, Idris Elba, and Johnny Whitworth.30 Minutes or Less -- From Ruben Fleischer, the director of Zombieland, comes the action comedy 30 Minutes or Less. In the movie, Nick (Jesse Eisenberg of The Social Network and Zombieland) is a small town pizza delivery guy whose mundane life collides with the big plans of two wannabe criminal masterminds (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson). The duo kidnap Nick and force him to rob a bank. With only a few hours to pull off the impossible task, Nick enlists the help of his ex-best friend, Chet (Aziz Ansari). As the clock ticks, the two must deal with the police, hired assassins, flamethrowers, and their own tumultuous relationship. Talent in attendance includes director Ruben Fleischer and stars Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson, and Michael Peña.Total Recall -- Welcome to Rekall, the company that with one little implant can turn your dreams into real memories. For a factory worker named Doug Quaid (Colin Farrell), the mind-trip sounds like the perfect vacation from his ordinary existence. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man. With the line between fantasy and reality blurred and the fate of his world hanging in the balance, Quaid goes on the run to discover his true identity, his true love, and his true fate. Based on Philip K. Dick's classic story "I Can Remember It for You Wholesale," this new take on some of his most visionary ideas is directed by Len Wiseman and stars Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, and John Cho, all of whom will be appearing.The Amazing Spider-Man -- The Amazing Spider-Man is back on the big screen, shot in 3D for the first time, and will be swinging into your neighborhood on July 3, 2012. Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, and Martin Sheen, as well as Sally Field, and directed by Marc Webb, The Amazing Spider-Man's new creative team will be taking a whole new direction in the unfolding saga of everyone's favorite web-slinger. Appearing in person are producers Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach, director Marc Webb, and our own Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy -- Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone.
Hall H
4:15-5:15 Warehouse 13— For one day only, America's top-secret treasure trove is moving from the middle of nowhere to the middle of Comic-Con. Stars Eddie McClintock (Pete Lattimer), Joanne Kelly (Myka Bering), Saul Rubinek (Artie Nielsen), and Allison Scagliotti (Claudia Donovan), along with executive producer Jack Kenny, take you inside Syfy's blockbuster hit series, Warehouse 13. Moderated by Neil Grayston (Douglas Fargo, Eureka). Ballroom 20
4:30-5:30 Marvel Television Presents: Anime on G4— Marvel Television and G4 take your favorite characters -- Iron Man, Wolverine, The X-Men, and Blade -- to Japan to tell their stories in a whole new way, beautifully animated by the anime masters at Madhouse. Hosted by Attack of the Show's Blair Butler, watch a never-before-seen episode with Marvel's head of TV Jeph Loeb and surprise guests. Plus, get a sneak peek at The X-Men's explosive first episode. Room 6BCF
4:45-5:45 Phineas and Ferb— Hear from the brilliant minds behind the series, Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, along with voice talent Vincent Martella (Everybody Hates Chris), Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure), and Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad). See exclusive footage and hear all the scoop about their upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension, which premieres August 5. Moderated by Matt Blum of Wired.com's Geek Dad. Room 6A
5:00-6:00 BBC America's Bedlam: Exclusive U.S. Premiere Screening and Q&amp;A— Star Theo James (Downtown Abbey) and creator David Allison (Boy Meets Girl) host a premiere screening event followed by discussion and Q&amp;A. Bedlam Heights, the stylish new apartment building, has sexy tenants and gorgeous amenities. But little do its new residents suspect that behind the luxury fittings lay unimaginable horrors. This is a place tainted by abuse, suffering, and death -- and the ghosts of its dark and violent past are out for revenge. As the direct descendent of those who ran the asylum, Kate (Charlotte Salt, The Tudors) -- who both lives and works there -- is a prime target. She is surprised by the unexpected arrival of Jed (James), her adopted cousin. With a history of mental illness, Jed is a troubled man who sees ghosts and visions of the past. Recent messages to "Save Kate" propel him back into Kate's life. Can he really "Save Kate"? And from whom, or what, does she need saving? Everybody has a dark side in this new series also starring Ashley Madekwe (Secret Diary of a Call Girl), Hugo Speer (Skins), and Will Young (Pop Idol winner, Skins). Bedlam premieres October 8 on BBC America's Supernatural Saturdays. Room 7AB
5:00-6:00 The World of Capcom— Capcom fans won't want to miss this opportunity to learn about all the new games coming from their favorite video game publisher. Plus, get in-depth details straight from Capcom's stellar producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi (Resident Evil 4) about his exciting new open-world action adventure game, Dragon's Dogma. Producer Jason Leigh talks about the zombie-infested streets of Fortune City in Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, and producer Kazuhiro Tsuchiya discusses the new over-the-top rollercoaster IP, Asura's Wrath. Followed by a Q&amp;A session. Room 25ABC
5:30-6:30 True Blood Panel and Q&amp;A session— Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated True Blood kicked off its 12-episode fourth season June 26 on HBO. The series follows the on-and-off romance between waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who can hear people's thoughts, and 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer). Oscar and Emmy award winner Alan Ball created and serves as executive producer of the series, which is based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. The series -- and this panel! -- also features Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam, Joe Manganiello as Alcide, and Kevin Alejandro as Jesus. Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly. Ballroom 20
5:45-6:45 Spartacus: Vengeance— Liam McIntyre (McLeod's Daughters) makes his Comic-Con debut, along with Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess), Manu Bennett (30 Days of Night), Dustin Clare (Underbelly), and Katrina Law (Legend of the Seeker). Executive producer Steven S. DeKnight (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) joins the cast to discuss the upcoming second season, titled,Spartacus: Vengeance, expected to air on Starz in January 2012, and the exclusive content found on the Spartacus: Gods of the Arena Blu-ray discs, available September 13. Room 6BCF
6:00-7:00 Hermes Press / Dark Shadows The Classic Series and the New Tim Burton Film— Lara Parker (Angelique from Dark Shadows), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans and Josette DuPres from Dark Shadows), Jim Pierson (consulting producer for the new Dark Shadows film), and Daniel Herman (publisher, Hermes Press) talk about the classic show, the comic book, and print tie-ins and reveals up-to-date news and some surprises about the upcoming Tim Burton film starring Johnny Depp, along with a Q&amp;A session. Room 4
6:00-7:00 Alphas— Syfy's newest original series Alphas has taken the summer by storm -- and it's just the beginning. David Strathairn (Dr. Lee Rosen) and fellow cast members, plus creator and executive producer Zak Penn (X-Men: The Last Stand; The Avengers) and executive producer Ira Steven Behr (Star Trek: The Next Generation; The 4400), reveal why impossible is what Alphas do best. Moderated by Geoff Boucher ("Hero Complex," Los Angeles Times). Room 6A
6:00-7:00 Girls Gone Genre— Come talk with women who write, read, game, and perform in arenas that are statistically dominated by men. What happens when traditionally "male" genres are reinvented by female writers and embraced by female fans? Sex and the City it ain't. Meet the women who like to play with trucks and Barbies. And Wolverine action figures. And flux capacitors. Moderator Jenna Busch is joined by panelists Marti Noxon (screenwriter/producer, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Mad Men, Fright Night), Gale Anne Hurd (producer, The Walking Dead, Terminator, Aliens), and Marjorie Liu (writer, X-23, Daken: Dark Wolverine, Black Widow, Dirk &amp; Steele novel series). Room 25ABC
6:00-7:00 At the Drive-In— Come with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear when one of the few places you could see some offbeat genre films and a slew of trailers was at your local Drive-In. We're trying something new at Comic-Con this year by giving some up and coming genre filmmakers an evening berth to preview their upcoming films. So as San Diego gets darker tonight, so will Hall H as we welcome our first guests to the Virtual Drive-In:Grave Encounters -- Locked in an actual abandoned mental hospital, the crew of a ghost-hunting reality show find themselves trapped in a psychotically endless and deadly labyrinth. Written and directed by The Vicious Brothers, Grave Encounters, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year, takes the found footage horror genre to a terrifying new level. Appearing on stage: The Vicious Brothers.Tucker &amp; Dale vs. Evil --Tucker and Dale are two best friends on vacation at their dilapidated mountain house, who are mistaken for murderous backwoods hillbillies by a group of obnoxious, preppy college kids. When one of the students gets separated from her friends, the boys try to lend a hand, but as the misunderstanding grows, so does the body count. Tucker &amp; Dale Vs Evil has been a hit on the festival circuit, debuting at Sundance, and winning the Midnight Audience Award at SXSW, the Jury Prize for First Feature at Fantasia, the Best Director award at Fantaspoa, and the Best Motion Picture Award at Sitges. Confirmed panelists include Eli Craig, Alan Tudyk, and Tyler Labine.
Hall H
6:30-7:30 Resident Evil Round-Up!— 2011 marks the 15th anniversary of the legendary video game franchise that gave fear a face and horror a home. Get the latest information about the newest entries to the Resident Evil franchise: Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, with producer Rey Jimenez; Resident Evil: Revelations for the Nintendo 3DS; the gorgeous reimagining of Resident Evil 4 HD; and Resident Evil Code Veronica X HD, plus some surprises! Followed by a Q&amp;A session. Room 5AB
7:00-8:00 Sushi Girl— Sushi Girl chronicles the story of five friends who reunite six years after a diamond-job-gone-wrong to eat sushi off a naked girl. Sure enough, the thieves can't help opening old wounds in an attempt to find their missing loot, and all mayhem ensues. This film marks the return to the big screen for Mark Hamill (Star Wars) and Noah Hathaway (Neverending Story) and also features cast members Tony Todd (Candy Man), James Duval (Donnie Darko), Andy Mackenzie (Shoot 'Em Up), David Dastmalchian (The Dark Knight), and Cortney Palm (Sunday Morning High). The legendary Sonny Chiba (Kill Bill) also stars. Kern Saxton (Deader Living Through Chemistry) directed and co-wrote with Destin Pfaff (Millionaire Matchmaker). Producers Neal Fischer (Fight Club) and Suren Seron (Forever Plaid) and moderator Ted Stryker (KROC) round out the panel. Meet the entire cast and creators and witness the world premiere of the official trailer, followed by Q&amp;A session. Room 25ABC
7:30-8:30 Death Valley— MTV brings the unique marriage of horror and comedy together with this new series. Join members of the ensemble cast, including Caity Lotz (Mad Men), Tania Raymonde (Lost), Bryan Callen (The Hangover), Bryce Johnson (Sleeping Dogs Lie), Texas Battle (Final Destination 3), and Charlie Sanders (Funny or Die), along with showrunner/executive producer Eric Weinberg (Californication, Scrubs), director Drew Daywalt (Bedfellows), executive producer/director Austin Reading (Spike TV's Scream Awards, FEARnet), executive producer Julie Kellman Reading, and co-executive producer Spider One, in a discussion about the challenges of bringing the comedy and horror genres together and how the team involved in the series bring all the elements of what they know best to the series. Fans will get an exclusive first look at an upcoming episode. Q&amp;A session to follow! Room 5AB
7:30-8:30 Lost Girl— Supernatural seductress Bo is a succubus who feeds off sexual energy. Having survived for years alone, she now discovers she is one of the Fae, creatures of legend who pass as humans. Unwilling to chose sides, Bo forges her own path between the human and Fae worlds, embarking on a mission to unlock the secrets of her origin. Join star Anna Silk (Ghost Whisperer); actor Emmanuelle Vaugier (Saw II), who guest stars as The Morrigan, the head of the Dark Fae clan; and the production team behind the series, Jay Firestone, executive producer (Andromeda, Mutant X) and Michelle Lovretta (Mutant X), as they discuss this exciting new show coming soon to SyFy! Room 24ABC
8:00-10:00 World Premiere: Batman: Year One— Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation proudly present the World Premiere of Batman: Year One, the highly anticipated next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. Based on the landmark 1987 DC Comics titles from 12-time Eisner Award winner Frank Miller and illustrator David Mazzucchelli, Batman: Year One depicts young Bruce Wayne's return to Gotham City in his first attempts to fight injustice as a costumed vigilante. The playboy billionaire chooses the guise of a giant bat to combat crime, creates an early bond with a young Lieutenant James Gordon (who is already battling corruption from inside the police department), inadvertently plays a role in the birth of Catwoman, and helps bring down a crooked political system that infests Gotham. When the film ends, stay in your seats for a lively panel discussion amongst voice cast members Ben McKenzie (Southland), Eliza Dushku (Dollhouse, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), executive producer Bruce Timm (DCU films), directors Lauren Montgomery (Superman/Batman: Apocalypse) and Sam Liu (All-Star Superman), and casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano (DCU films). Moderator Gary Miereanu will offer a first glimpse into the 2012 DC Universe Animated Original Movies slate, give away some exclusive prizes to inquisitive audience members, and quite possibly introduce a few surprise guests. Warner Home Video will distribute Batman: Year One on Blu-ray and DVD, OnDemand and For Download on October 18, 2011. Ballroom 20
9:00-11:00 Syfy Screening: Eureka, Haven, and Mercury Men— Imagine Greater with fellow fans during an advanced preview screening of the next all-new episode of Eureka, followed by a special presentation of an all-new Haven. And be sure to stick around for the exclusive premiere of the new digital series The Mercury Men. Introductions by Eric Balfour (Duke, Haven). Room 6A
9:15-10:15 Locke &amp; Key FOX Pilot Screening Encore— Second screening added due to demand! The most talked-about pilot not on the fall schedule was the FOX production of Locke &amp; Key. This screening of the entire pilot will show you just what a void there will be on your TV this fall. Watch the special filmed adaptation of "Welcome to Lovecraft" and see the Eisner-nominated comic brought to life. Room 6DE
10:15-12:00 Encore Screening: Batman: Year One— Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation offer a second opportunity to see Batman: Year One, along with a chance to see a few special Comic-Con exclusive trailers for upcoming Warner Bros. films, videogames, and Blu-ray/DVD releases. Ballroom 20

The first and most important thing you should know about Paramount Pictures’ Thor is that it’s not a laughably corny comic book adaptation. Though you might find it hokey to hear a bunch of muscled heroes talk like British royalty while walking around the American Southwest in LARP garb director Kenneth Branagh has condensed vast Marvel mythology to make an accessible straightforward fantasy epic. Like most films of its ilk I’ve got some issues with its internal logic aesthetic and dialogue but the flaws didn’t keep me from having fun with this extra dimensional adventure.
Taking notes from fellow Avenger Iron Man the story begins with an enthralling event that takes place in a remote desert but quickly jumps back in time to tell the prologue which introduces the audience to the shining kingdom of Asgard and its various champions. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) son of Odin is heir to the throne but is an arrogant overeager and ill-tempered rogue whose aggressive antics threaten a shaky truce between his people and the frost giants of Jotunheim one of the universe’s many realms. Odin (played with aristocratic boldness by Anthony Hopkins) enraged by his son’s blatant disregard of his orders to forgo an assault on their enemies after they attempt to reclaim a powerful artifact banishes the boy to a life among the mortals of Earth leaving Asgard defenseless against the treachery of Loki his mischievous “other son” who’s always felt inferior to Thor. Powerless and confused the disgraced Prince finds unlikely allies in a trio of scientists (Natalie Portman Stellan Skarsgard and Kat Dennings) who help him reclaim his former glory and defend our world from total destruction.
Individually the make-up visual effects CGI production design and art direction are all wondrous to behold but when fused together to create larger-than-life set pieces and action sequences the collaborative result is often unharmonious. I’m not knocking the 3D presentation; unlike 2010’s genre counterpart Clash of the Titans the filmmakers had plenty of time to perfect the third dimension and there are only a few moments that make the decision to convert look like it was a bad one. It’s the unavoidable overload of visual trickery that’s to blame for the frost giants’ icy weaponized constructs and other hybrids of the production looking noticeably artificial. Though there’s some imagery to nitpick the same can’t be said of Thor’s thunderous sound design which is amped with enough wattage to power The Avengers’ headquarters for a century.
Chock full of nods to the comics the screenplay is both a strength and weakness for the film. The story is well sequenced giving the audience enough time between action scenes to grasp the characters motivations and the plot but there are tangential narrative threads that disrupt the focus of the film. Chief amongst them is the frost giants’ fore mentioned relic which is given lots of attention in the first act but has little effect on the outcome. In addition I felt that S.H.I.E.L.D. was nearly irrelevant this time around; other than introducing Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye the secret security faction just gets in the way of the movie’s momentum.
While most of the comedy crashes and burns there are a few laughs to be found in the film. Most come from star Hemsworth’s charismatic portrayal of the God of Thunder. He plays up the stranger-in-a-strange-land aspect of the story with his cavalier but charming attitude and by breaking all rules of diner etiquette in a particularly funny scene with the scientists whose respective roles as love interest (Portman) friendly father figure (Skarsgaard) and POV character (Dennings) are ripped right out of a screenwriters handbook.
Though he handles the humorous moments without a problem Hemsworth struggles with some of the more dramatic scenes in the movie; the result of over-acting and too much time spent on the Australian soap opera Home and Away. Luckily he’s surrounded by a stellar supporting cast that fills the void. Most impressive is Tom Hiddleston who gives a truly humanistic performance as the jealous Loki. His arc steeped in Shakespearean tragedy (like Thor’s) drums up genuine sympathy that one rarely has for a comic book movie villain.
My grievances with the technical aspects of the production aside Branagh has succeeded in further exploring the Marvel Universe with a film that works both as a standalone superhero flick and as the next chapter in the story of The Avengers. Thor is very much a comic book film and doesn’t hide from the reputation that its predecessors have given the sub-genre or the tropes that define it. Balanced pretty evenly between “serious” and “silly ” its scope is large enough to please fans well versed in the source material but its tone is light enough to make it a mainstream hit.

Hollywood.com is on the scene at the 55th Cannes Film Festival, seeing the films and sipping with the stars. Check in every day to get the latest!
Day 7: This is Cannes, and the pier pressure is on.
"Aaaaggghhhhwooww!" bellows Philip Seymour Hoffman, as he does a Tarzan swing off one of the famous high dives buttressed into the Eden Roc sea wall under the absolutely-no-vacancy-unless-you're-a-star Hotel du Cap. He lands into the chilly Mediterranean waters, which only seem to invigorate him--he yelps and dives several more times, spurring his friends to join him. At one point he pulls a small brunette in a black bathing suit in for a huge face-devouring kiss before the gang swims out to the raft to frolic under the warm sun.
It's a quieter, gentler day at Cannes, as a collective breath is taken between yesterday's DiCaprio/Diaz-induced frenzy and tomorrow's potential shoving matches over getting a glimpse of Jack Nicholson. After a week of screaming and yelling, the crowd is getting just a little hoarse.
Not too hoarse, though, to join in the demonstration put on by that-famous-for-being-infamous movie making company, Troma Films, in front of the Carlton Hotel. Troma announced its newly formed political faction, Partie Tromatique Francaise, whose manifesto is to give art back to the people…guess all Chopper Chicks should be treated equal.
The British are coming! The British are coming! And tonight they're marching straight up the bloody red staircase. The gritty Ken Loach is back in Competition with his very un-sweet Sweet Sixteen. In the movie, the best 16th birthday gift for Liam (Martin Compston, a brand-new actor who unlike the character he plays has been sunning and funning all up and down La Croisette) is his Mum's getting out of jail--until her arrival at their dirt-poor neighborhood doesn't turn out as he'd hoped.
Canadian director David Cronenberg is here, for the first time since Crashing the scene from across the Atlantic in 1996. He brings with him one more addition to what's turning out to be the Year of the Arachnid as his latest tale, Spider, spins out across the silver screen tonight.
Ralph Fiennes plays the strange and lonely Spider, a mental patient released from an institution onto the streets of East End in London as deeply buried memories start to awaken. Other stars caught in this web are Gabriel Byrne, Lynn Redgrave and Miranda Richardson, who got away to bask here in the Riviera sun. Their big celebration is at the Synergy Mansion tonight.
As the sun sets, the sky turns almost as white as a movie screen before fading to black. At just the right moment, laser lights along the coast shoot toward the heavens, their thin white rays dropping in synch into a blue low-lying fog over the sea.
Cinecita is holding their elegant affair on a pier over the sea accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. The French, who seem to think of everything when it comes to a party, have built low pathways along the piers so waiters can refill champagne flutes and plates of brie and salmon unobtrusively. Party banners often double as film screens to show a short or two between hors d' oeuvres.
And tonight? Tonight everyone in Cannes who can is shuttling off to Stephen Baldwin's night of debauchery in a hillside chateau just out of town. Was Alec able to wrangle an invite…?

Elton John blasted British Prime Minister Tony Blair in an interview with Sky News broadcast Monday, saying the leader should be "thoroughly ashamed" of his Labor government's record on AIDS funding. "For God's sake, we live in the 21st century--the trains don't work, the health service doesn't work, people are dying from AIDS, what are you doing?" the singer blasted. "Get your act together; it's a disgrace." John spoke to SKY News on the sidelines of the Vienna Life Ball, one of Europe's biggest AIDS charity galas.
Celebs
Angelina Jolie, who is goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, has donated $100,000 to help train refugees from Myanmar for new jobs, according to Reuters. Jolie is currently in Thailand, shooting her latest film, Beyond Borders.
Billionaire MGM magnate Kirk Kerkorian says he is "amazed and disappointed" at a $1 billion privacy lawsuit filed against him by millionaire movie producer Steve Bing. Bing filed the lawsuit after Kerkorian hired a private detective to steal dental floss from his trash can to obtain a DNA match and prove Bing fathered his ex-wife's child, Reuters reports. Bing may also be the father of model/actress Liz Hurley's child born earlier this year, Hurley has claimed.
'N Sync singer Lance Bass has undergone a surgical procedure in a Los Angeles hospital to correct an irregular heartbeat, People reports. Bass' affliction could have disqualified him from taking a planned Russian rocket flight to the International Space Station this fall, when he could be the third space tourist to blast off.
Casting Call
Penelope Cruz has signed on to star in the French-language remake of the 1952 adventure comedy Fanfan la Tulipe, Variety reports. Cruz will play a gypsy girl who dupes Fanfan, a handsome young peasant, into joining the French army by convincing him he will marry one of the king's daughters if he does.
Comedian Jamie Foxx is in talks to star in the crime thriller Shade, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Foxx would be joining a cast that already includes Thandie Newton, Stuart Townsend, Gabriel Byrne and Sylvester Stallone.
Heartthrob Josh Hartnett has inked to star in the Lakeshore Entertainment/MGM thriller Wicker Park, to be directed by Paul McGuigan. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is an intense Hitchcockian psychological drama about a man's obsessive search for a former love. Wicker Park is slated to go into production in October.
In the Biz
Filmmaker Martin Scorsese showed a 20-minute clip of his upcoming movie Gangs of New York at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday, Reuters reports. The film, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz, is scheduled to open wide in December.
Also debuting at Cannes will be Adam Sandler and Emily Watson's romantic comedy Punch-Drunk Love. The film, by Boogie Nights director Paul Thomas Anderson, is about a guy who buys a lot of pudding to take advantage of a frequent flier promotion, The Associated Press reports.
Believe it or not, the 1980s TV series The Greatest American Hero will be hitting the big screen. Disney has hired Paul Hernandez to adapt the series for a feature film, Variety reports. Although the story will deviate slightly from the original series, it will be based on a schoolteacher who becomes a superhero after extraterrestrials give him a suit with special powers.
Music News
Fans will be able to get Eminem's long-awaited album The Eminem Show sooner rather than later. According to MTV.com, the album's release date has been pushed up from June 4 to May 28 because it has already been leaked for download on the Internet, and bootleg copies have been sold for as little as $5 on the street. Eminem's record company, Aftermath/Interscope, announced that the first 2 million copies of the album sold in stores would feature a DVD of exclusive of Eminem performances and interview footage.
Honored
Rob Cohen's The Fast and the Furious took home five awards, including best work with a vehicle and best stunt by a stuntman, at the World Stunt Awards held at the Santa Monica Air Center's Barker Hangar in California on May 19. Also taking top honors were Rush Hour 2 and A Knight's Tale, while Jackie Chan, director Michael Bay and stunt legend Buddy Van Horn were presented with Taurus Honorary Awards.

It's official -- the famed festivities here have begun, even if the obligatory red carpet wasn't ready until the late afternoon. But a lack of carpet didn't stop the sun and stars from converging in the daylight this morning when Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu arrived with their posses for a screening of "Vatel," which opened the 53rd Cannes Film Festival.
The wind ravaged the Mediterranean waters (magically sparing Uma's golden locks) as cameras flashed and fans clapped. In this day of cutting-edge digital media, it's still fun to revel in the old-fashioned glamour of the young and beautiful (not to mention statuesque and blonde) Uma co-starring with the rugged, debonaire (you gotta throw in some French when you're on the Riviera) andmuch, much older Gerard.
The excitement here never dies. The next big stir was the dramatic arrival of the jury members who will bestow Cannes' career-making Palme d'Or (the Golden Palm Award.) This year's jury president is filmmaker Luc Besson ("The Fifth Element"). Among his 10 cohorts are Kristin Scott Thomas and Jeremy Irons.
The other must-watch Cannes category (with 22 films mostly by first-time directors) is Un Certain Regard. It opens today with the touching and femme-filled "Things You Can Tell Just By Looking at Her." Rodrigo Garcia, son of Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez, directs the likes of Cameron Diaz, Glenn Close and Calista Flockhart in this series of slightly interwoven vignettes. Other films to look forward to are "Famous," directed by and starring Griffin Dunne (multitasking is so chic), as well as "I Dreamed of Africa" starring Kim Basinger and Vincent Perez.
Uma, meanwhile, is ringing in the millennium in style, since she has not one, but two films here. The second is the lusty Merchant Ivory film "The Golden Bowl," which is a competition entry. Co-star Nick Nolte is flying in for that premiere later.
Just one question: Where's Ethan?

Hollywood got through the first weekend of the new year in slightly better shape than studio insiders expected.
It took just $11.5 million to put Columbia's "Stuart Little" in first place, making it the weekend's only Top Five film to crack double digits. Lackluster tracking scores last week had suggested that the new year might kick off with none of the Top Five films doing better than single-digit grosses.
Columbia's PG-rated family comedy held on to the top spot in its fourth week, still laughing with an estimated $11.5 million (-28%) at 2,979 theaters (+79 theaters, $3,806 per theater). Its total is approximately $95.6 million. Directed by Rob Minkoff, "Stuart Little" stars Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie and Jonathan Lipnicki.
"It'll hit $100 million either Friday or Saturday of next week," Sony Pictures Releasing President Jeff Blake said Sunday morning. "With the holiday week, we won't do far from this figure for the four days. And there are no other kids' pictures coming in until Feb. 11 (Buena Vista/Disney's animated "The Tigger Movie").
"The hard part is getting them (family films) going. Once a picture like this starts rolling, it adds up pretty quick if everything goes well. We're thrilled. We're thinking (it will get to about) $130 million, at this point in time, somewhere in that range."
"Stuart Little" stands to turn into a franchise for Sony. "I know they're working hard at 'Stuart Little II.' And I think that's effort well spent," Blake said.
Paramount's R-rated drama "The Talented Mr. Ripley" moved up one notch to No. 2 in its third week of release with a respectable estimated $9.8 million (-21%) at 2,316 theaters (+7 theaters, $4,231 per theater). (Earlier estimates last week placed it at No. 5, then No. 2 and finally at No. 3.) Its total is approximately $54.6 million. Written and directed by Anthony Minghella ("The English Patient"), it stars Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law and Cate Blanchett.
"Ripley" appears to be a prime candidate for Oscar nominations, having received five Golden Globe nominations -- best picture/drama, best actor/drama (Damon), best supporting actor ( Law), best director (Minghella) and best score (Gabriel Yared).
"I think this one really depends on the (Oscar) nominations," Paramount Distribution President Wayne Lewellen said Sunday morning. "I've got it at $80-90 million. But if we get (Oscar nominations for) Best Picture, Director and, maybe, one of the actors and, of course, if we win something, it could get to $100 million (or more).
"With a picture like this, it can be very helpful."
Asked who the audience for "Ripley" is, Lewellen replied, "It's older females, primarily, but obviously they bring the men with them. It's more female than male.
"But it's playing pretty well across the board."
Warner Bros. and Castle Rock Entertainment's R-rated prison death row drama "The Green Mile" was a close third in its fifth week, up one notch with an estimated $9.7 million (-17%) at 2,678 theaters (-197 theaters; $3,622 per theater). Its total is approximately $91.3 million.
Written and directed by Frank Darabont ("The Shawshank Redemption", it stars Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. Where will "Mile" get to in domestic theaters? "Probably $130 million," Warner Bros. Distribution President Dan Fellman said Sunday morning.
Warner Bros.' R-rated drama "Any Given Sunday" rose one peg to fourth place in its third week with an estimated $9.02 million (-23%) at 2,505 theaters (theater count unchanged, $3,599 per theater). Its total is approximately $59.5 million. Directed by Oliver Stone, it stars Al Pacino, Dennis Quaid, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz.
Where is "Sunday" heading in domestic theaters?
"It just is going to depend on the next few weeks -- somewhere between $80-100 million," Warners' Fellman said.
Rounding out the Top Five was DreamWorks' PG-rated sci-fi fantasy comedy "Galaxy Quest," up one peg in its third week with a surprisingly strong estimated $8.3 million (-14%) at 2,450 theaters (+8 theaters; $3,388 per theater). Its total is approximately $38.8 million, heading for $60 million to $70 million in domestic theaters. Directed by Dean Parisot, it stars Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman.
Buena Vista/Disney and Pixar's animated blockbuster "Toy Story 2" finished sixth in its eighth week with a still jolly estimated $7.5 million (-39%) at 2,752 theaters (-350 theatres, $2,733 per theater). Its total is approximately $220.1 million, heading for a domestic theatrical total of $260 million to $270 million. Directed by John Lasseter, it features the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, Wayne Knight, Laurie Metcalf, Estelle Harris and R. Lee Ermey.
"It is now the second-highest-grossing animated film in our history (after 'The Lion King')," Buena Vista Distribution President Chuck Viane said Sunday morning. "And it's the third-highest-grossing picture we ever released -- behind 'Lion King' and 'Sixth Sense.'"
Looking ahead, Viane said, "Based on this, we'll probably be at $228-$230 million by the time we come out of the Martin Luther King weekend. And then it'll just go and go until it's over."
New Line's R-rated drama "Magnolia" went wide in its fourth week, placing seventh with a promising estimated $6.57 million at 1,034 theaters (+1,025 theatres, $6,359 per theater). Its total is approximately $7.5 million.
"Magnolia's" per-theater average was the highest for any film playing in wide release. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, its ensemble cast is headed by Tom Cruise, William H. Macy, Jason Robards and Julianne Moore.
"Magnolia" received two Golden Globe nominations, including best supporting actor (Cruise) and original song ("Save Me," music and lyrics by Aimee Mann).
"We're happy," New Line Executive Vice President, Distribution, David Tuckerman said Sunday morning. "Some people are going to have us (estimated) lower. The difference is the last three weeks -- our second Sunday was bigger than the Saturday that weekend, and the Sunday the first weekend was 90% of the Saturday, and the Sunday the third weekend was over 90% of the Saturday.
"So everybody's figuring us at like sixtysome percent. Sunday should be almost what Saturday is (for this film)."
Like other three-hour films, "Magnolia" tends to do well on Sundays because people have the time available that day to see something that long.
"You have to make a commitment to see a three-hour movie," Tuckerman said.
Who is the audience for "Magnolia"?
"I sat last night and watched it in Santa Monica," Tuckerman said. "You're basically getting the mid-20s and above. Both (males and females). We didn't do exit polls the first three weeks because we figured we got (Anderson's) fans. We're doing them tonight, so we'll be smarter (Monday)."
Asked if people like the film, Tuckerman said, "They come out stunned. Half of them love it, and half of them hate it. And then they talk about it the next day. The ones that hated it talk about it -- and you can tell they've changed (their opinion)."
Will New Line go wider with the film?
"I think we're going to wait to see what next weekend brings," he said. "I have to tell you, every market that this picture opened in, there's huge pockets of strength. The 'white bread' towns didn't work as well. But within those markets (there is strength). Seattle didn't look good, then one of the best runs in the country came out of Seattle. It's really strange. In Canada, they love it."
Buena Vista/Touchstone's "Bicentennial Man" was eighth in its fourth week with a quiet estimated $5.2 million (-37%) at 2,612 theaters (-155 theate s, $1,992 per theater). Its total is approximately $47.1 million. Directed by Chris Columbus, it stars Robin Williams.
Buena Vista/Touchstone's R-rated youth-appeal comedy "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" was ninth in its fifth week with a less funny estimated $5 million (-13%) at 2,066 theaters (-96 theaters, $2,403 per theater). Its total is approximately $54 million. Directed by Mike Mitchell, it stars Rob Schneider.
"I have hesitated to say this, but I think now it's probably a $70 million picture," BV's Viane said. "The one picture we would like to emulate is 'Ace Ventura,' which did $72 million. The minute we hit $60 million (after Martin Luther King weekend), that's the number we'll be chasing."
Rounding out the Top 10 was Universal's PG-13-rated drama "Snow Falling On Cedars," which went wide in its third week with an unexciting estimated $4.01 million at 1,150 theaters (+1,147 theaters, $3,490 per theater). Its total is approximately $4.2 million. Directed by Scott Hicks ("Shine"), it stars Ethan Hawke, James Cromwell, Richard Jenkins, Youki Kudoh, James Rebhorn, Sam Shepard, Rick Yune and Max von Sydow.
OTHER OPENINGS
Last weekend saw no new arrivals in wide or high-profile platform release.
SNEAK PREVIEWS
Last weekend saw no national sneak previews.
EXPANSIONS
On the expansion front, last weekend saw Miramax's PG-13-rated drama "The Cider House Rules" go wider in its fifth week, placing 13th with an OK ESTIMATED $3.28 million at 816 theaters (+484 theaters, $4,013 per theater). Its total is approximately $8.4 million. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, it stars Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Paul Rudd and Michael Caine.
"With the addition of 484 screens this weekend, we only dropped 14% on a per-screen basis," Miramax Senior Vice President, Marketing, David Kaminow said Sunday morning. "We were hoping for $3,000 a screen this weekend, and the fact that we did $4,000 is great. Even more encouraging are theaters that are in their third, fourth and fifth week, dwelling on this. It's taken a little time for the movie to get its legs, but (that's what we're seeing now)."
Kaminow pointed to a number of examples, including, "in New York, the Angelika, in its fifth week, is up 73%. In L.A., in Century City, we're up 136% in Week 5. The Sunset Five (in West Hollywood) is up 53% in Week 5. The Lido in Newport Beach is up 30% in Week 5. In Pasadena, the Playhouse is up 16% in Week 3.
"This is what's going on around the country. The movie's really taking hold and receiving great word of mouth."
Universal's R-rated drama "The Hurricane" expanded in its second week, placing 14th with an encouraging estimated $2.45 million at 159 theaters (+148 theaters, $15,405 per theater). Its total is approximately $3.1 million. Directed by Norman Jewison, it stars Denzel Washington as wrongly imprisoned boxing champion Rubin "Hurricane" Carter.
"Hurricane," which is generating Oscar buzz, received three Golden Globe nominations -- best picture, best actor/drama (Washington) and best director (Jewison).
Columbia's R-rated drama "The End of the Affair" expanded in its sixth week, placing 18th with an unromantic estimated $0.65 million at 92 theaters (+34 theaters, $7,065 per theater). Its total is approximately $2.4 million. Directed by Neil Jordan, it stars Ralph Fiennes, Julianne Moore and Stephen Rea.
"We're intending to go wide to about 700 or so theaters on Jan. 21," Sony's Jeff Blake said Sunday. "We're certainly performing (as) one of the better limiteds consistently, so hopefully we'll be ready to go on Golden Globe weekend."
WEEKEND COMPARISONS
Key films -- those grossing more than $500,000 for the weekend - took in approximately $93.79 million last weekend, up approximately 11.04% from $84.46 million for the comparable weekend last year.
Last weekend's key film gross was down approximately 15.4% from the $108.31 million that key films took in during the prior weekend.
Last year, Buena Vista's third week of "A Civil Action" was first with $15.16 million at 1,802 theaters ($8,415 per theater); and Universal's third weekend of "Patch Adams" was second with $12.69 million at 2,770 theaters, $4,580 per theater). The top two films one year ago grossed $27.9 million. This year, the top two films grossed an estimated $21.3 million.
STUDIO MARKET SHARES
Based on business by key films, last weekend's top six distributors were the following:
Warner Bros. was first with two films ("The Green Mile" and "Any Given Sunday") grossing an estimated $18.72 million or 20% of the market.
Buena Vista (Touchstone and Disney) was second with three films ("Toy Story 2," "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo" and "Bicentennial Man") grossing an estimated $17.7 million or 18.9% of the market.
Sony Pictures Entertainment (Columbia, TriStar) was third with two films ("Stuart Little" and "The End Of the Affair") grossing an estimated $12.15 million or 13% of the market.
Paramount was fourth with two films ("The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Sleepy Hollow") grossing an estimated $10.95 million or 11.7% of the market.
Universal was fifth with four films ("Snow Falling On Cedars," "The Hurricane," "End Of Days" and "Man On the Moon") grossing an estimated $10.83 million or 11.5% of the market.
DreamWorks was sixth with one film ("Galaxy Quest") grossing an estimated $8.3 million or 8.8% of the market.
ADDITIONAL ESTIMATES
(11) "Anna and the King"/Fox: Theaters: 2,004 (-125) Gross: $3.55 million (-35%) Average per theater: $1,771 Total: $30.9 million
(12) "Man On the Moon"/Universal: Theaters: 2,065 (-14) Gross: $3.5 million (-35%) Average per theater: $1,695 Total: $30.4 million
(13) "The Cider House Rules"/Miramax: (see EXPANSIONS above)
(14) "Hurricane"/Universal: (see EXPANSIONS above)
(15) "The World Is Not Enough"/MGM: Theaters: 1,317 (-395) Gross: $1.76 million (-39%) Average per theater: $1,335 Total: $120.8 million
(16) "Sleepy Hollow"/Paramount: Theaters: 1,070 (-422) Gross: $1.15 million (-26%) Average per theater: $1,075 Total: $94.8 million
(17) "End of Days"/Universal: Theaters: 813 (-250) Gross: $0.87 million (-32%) Average per theater: $1,065 Total: $64.6 million
(18) "The End of the Affair"/Columbia: (see EXPANSIONS above)
(19) "Being John Malkovich"/USA Films: Theaters: 235 (-14) Gross: $0.47 million (-1%) Average per theater: $1,000 Total: $19 million
(20) "Mansfield Park"/Miramax: Theaters: 139 (-9) Gross: $0.37 million (-12%) Average per theater: $2,660 Total: $3.1 million
(21) "Liberty Heights"/Warner Bros.: Theaters: 109 (-6) Gross: $0.28 million (-34%) Average per theater: $2,570 Total: $2.7 million
(22) "The Bone Collector"/Universal: Theaters: 427 (0) Gross: $0.20 million (-45%) Average per theater: $460 Total: $64.1 million
(23) "Cradle Will Rock"/BV: Theaters: 38 (0) Gross: $0.17 million (-15%) Average per theater: $4,429 Total: $1.0 million
(24) "Girl, Interrupted"/Columbia: Theatres: 9 (0) Gross: $0.15 million (+21%) Average per theater: $16,206 Total: $0.7 million
(25) "Tumbleweeds"/Fine Line: Theaters: 156 (-151) Gross: $0.10 million (-59%) Average per theater: $640 Total: $1.2 million
(26) "The Best Man"/Universal: Theaters: 144 (-9) Gross: $0.087 million (-45%) Average per theater: $605 Total: $33.7 million
(27) "Angela's Ashes"/Paramount: Theatres: 6 (0) Gross: $0.060 million (-3%) Average per theater: $9,996 Total: $0.3 million
(28) "Titus"/Fox Searchlight: Theatres: 4 (+2) Gross: $0.040 million Average per theater: $10,003 Total: $0.2 million
(29) "Topsy-Turvy"/USA Films: Theaters: 1 (0) Gross: $0.036 million (+35%) Average per theater: $36,004 Total: $0.2 million
(30) "Play It To the Bone"/B V: Theaters: 1 (0) Gross: $0.004 million (-5%) Average per theater: $3,709 Total: $17,000